Active ingredients

Alpha-ketoglutarate is an endogenous substance and, chemically speaking, the salt of an organic acid that occurs as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle and plays an important role in metabolism. As an intermediate of the citric acid cycle, which takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, it is produced from isocitrate by isocitrate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in the citric acid cycle.

The citric acid cycle has a key function in intermediate metabolism, i.e., the interface between the cell's anabolic (building) and catabolic (energy-supplying) reactions. In this process, it connects the energy-supplying final breakdown of acetyl-coenzyme A—an intermediate derived from protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism—with anabolic biosynthetic pathways.

The body's own production of alpha-ketoglutarate decreases from the age of 40. It cannot be substituted through a conventional diet.

Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that occurs naturally in our body, especially in the "power plants of our cells" – the mitochondria. In these, the vital energy for our cells is continuously generated from our food in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This allows the energy produced to be utilized by the body; it acts like fuel for our cells. A high concentration of alpha-lipoic acid is found in organs such as the heart, brain, and liver.

In certain situations, there may be an increased requirement, e.g., in certain diseases* such as neuropathies, diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, liver diseases, and cancer.

* This refers to a potentially increased nutrient requirement and not to the alleviation, cure, or prevention of a disease.

Beta-glucans are found in the cell walls of yeast, cereals, fungi, and bacteria. They consist of long chains of glucose molecules that possess different properties depending on the linkage between the glucose building blocks. Cellulose and chitin are also considered beta-glucans, whose glucose molecules are linked to each other via the carbon atom at positions 1 and 4 (β-1,4-linked). Beta-glucan from baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, consists of β-1,3- and β-1,6-linked glucose molecules.

Our body does not possess enzymes to break down beta-glucans. Therefore, they pass through the gastrointestinal tract more or less unchanged and are consequently classified as dietary fiber. Only certain species of bacteria in our gut flora can use beta-glucans and other types of dietary fiber as a food source.

B vitamins have a positive effect on mood and concentration and strengthen the nerves and the immune system. In addition, they contribute to a normal energy metabolism. The precise function of the individual B vitamins is listed below.

In the body, B vitamins form a functional unit and work best when taken together. In addition to age, an increased need for B vitamins can arise due to various factors. These include, for example, growth, sports, and pregnancy & breastfeeding, but also stress, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and the use of certain medications.

Carnitine is found particularly in the mitochondria, the "power plants of our cells." In these, essential energy is extracted from food—primarily from carbohydrates and fat—in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is how the body can utilize energy; it is like fuel for our cells. It is required for numerous processes in our body and must be continuously regenerated. In an adult, this amounts to about 70 kg of ATP per day.

In our organism, carnitine is primarily found in the heart, muscles, nervous and immune systems, liver, and kidneys. The need for carnitine can be increased by factors including vegetarian diets, dieting/fasting, high-performance sports, pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the intake of certain medications. Furthermore, an increased requirement may exist in the case of illnesses* such as immune deficiency, diabetes mellitus, heart muscle or liver diseases, as well as trauma or sepsis.

* This refers to a potentially increased nutritional requirement and not to the alleviation, cure, or prevention of a disease.

The trace element chromium promotes normal macronutrient metabolism (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. An increased need for chromium may arise, for example, with high-fat or high-sugar diets, vegetarian diets, dieting or fasting, high-performance sports, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and at an older age. An increased need may also exist in cases of illness* such as diabetes mellitus, immune deficiency, heart muscle diseases, liver diseases, trauma, or sepsis.

* This refers to a potentially increased nutrient requirement and not to the alleviation, cure, or prevention of a disease.

Curcuma is also known to us by the names turmeric or yellow ginger. It is a plant that is primarily native to India and whose rhizome has been used for centuries in Indian cuisine as well as in Ayurveda. In the 13th century, turmeric arrived in Europe via the Silk Road. Here, it was used as a yellow dye for fabrics and paper, but also as an ingredient in curry spice blends and as an inexpensive substitute for saffron for coloring food. The most important component of turmeric is the polyphenol curcumin.

Since non-water-soluble curcumin molecules tend to clump together, they are generally poorly absorbed by the body. Piperine (a component of black pepper) is therefore added to many preparations to increase bioavailability. However, piperine is suspected of causing irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. An advantageous solution is the coating of individual curcumin molecules with starch: they are thus individually released enzymatically in the intestine, which increases bioavailability.

The three enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are particularly abundant in the "power plants of our cells," the mitochondria. These organelles continuously generate the vital energy for our cells in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the food we consume. This allows the energy produced to be utilized by the body; it acts like fuel for our cells. The three enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are found in particularly high concentrations in wheat, corn, and soy germ, as well as in Spirulina platensis.

L-glutathione is the naturally occurring, biological form of glutathione. This endogenous substance consists of the three protein building blocks glutamic acid, L-glycine, and L-cysteine. It is found in all organs, especially in the heart, brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, digestive tract, immune cells, and specifically in the mitochondria, the "power plants of our cells." These continuously generate the energy essential for life for cells and organs. During energy production in the mitochondria, oxygen radicals are created as undesirable by-products, along with the subsequent hydrogen peroxide, which is then enzymatically converted into water via glutathione peroxidase, consuming reduced glutathione (GSH) in the process. The resulting oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSSG) is converted back into its reduced, bioactive form by glutathione reductase.

Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a role in our body in, among other things, the maintenance of blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle function. The largest proportion (over 90%) of potassium in our body is found inside the cells. The higher the metabolic activity of a cell, the greater its potassium content. Muscle cells have the highest potassium content. Along with calcium, magnesium, and sodium, potassium is one of the so-called electrolytes. They are important for the water balance of the cells and, in addition to muscle tone, also maintain blood pressure, for example. Furthermore, potassium plays an important role in the transmission of impulses in nerve cells.

Potassium is found in almost all foods and is largely absorbed by the small intestine through passive influx. Good sources of potassium are fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, apricots, melons, potatoes, and soybeans. During the cooking process, up to 50% of the potassium can be lost to the cooking water. Bananas are one of the most well-known sources of potassium, which is why they are popular with athletes after training. During prolonged physical activity and increased sweating, potassium is excreted, which can lead to a deficiency. This can manifest as muscle weakness, fatigue, or gastrointestinal disturbances. Excessive consumption of licorice can lead to hypokalemia (too little potassium in the blood) because it contains a substance that increases potassium excretion.

Our kidneys are crucial for potassium balance. Depending on the potassium concentration in the blood, more or less potassium is excreted via the kidneys. Patients with renal insufficiency should therefore refrain from additional potassium intake to avoid hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood).

Creatine is a substance produced by the body that is formed in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas through a multi-stage process from the three amino acids glycine, arginine, and methionine. Over 90% of the creatine found in the body is stored in the muscles – primarily in the heart muscle. The brain also contains creatine, and it is found in almost every cell to a lesser extent.

Since creatine plays a role in energy transport in our body, it is of particular interest to athletes: a daily intake of 3 g of creatine increases physical performance during explosive strength training as part of short-term, high-intensity physical exercise.

The best-researched form of creatine is creatine monohydrate. Several clinical studies have already been conducted with this substance, and it is well absorbed by the body.

The trace element copper is involved in many essential metabolic processes in our organism as a cofactor for various enzymes. In our body, it is primarily found in the brain, muscles, and bones, as well as in the internal organs, especially the liver. Within the mitochondria, it can be found as a central atom in the respiratory chain in complex IV of the mitochondrial membrane.

Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, as it is a component of the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which converts oxygen radicals into less reactive hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, it is involved in normal iron transport and normal skin pigmentation, as well as the maintenance of healthy connective tissue.

In our diet, copper is mainly found in seafood, whole grain products, legumes, hazelnuts, and cocoa. An increased requirement for copper can be caused by taking certain medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, through excessive sweating (e.g., during sports), or through a high zinc intake.

Magnesium is a vital mineral found in all tissues, especially in the muscles, heart, brain, liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, and blood. It contributes to the electrolyte balance in our body and is indispensable for numerous processes in our body, e.g., as a component of more than 300 enzymes.

Magnesium is important for a normal energy metabolism and for the normal function of the nervous system and psychological function. In addition, it contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and supports normal muscle function. Furthermore, it is involved in the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.

An increased need for magnesium can occur, among other things, due to stress, diets, alcohol abuse, competitive sports, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as when taking certain medications. This can also be the case with diseases* such as diarrhea and vomiting, diabetes mellitus, kidney and liver diseases, hyperthyroidism, and cancer.

* This refers to a potentially increased nutrient requirement and not to the alleviation, cure, or prevention of a disease.

Manganese is an essential trace element and contributes to normal energy metabolism as well as the protection of cells from oxidative stress. In addition, it supports the maintenance of normal bones and the normal formation of connective tissue.

An increased need for manganese can occur, among other things, with a high consumption of simple carbohydrates (e.g., white flour products), high alcohol consumption, oxidative stress, and the use of certain medications. This can also occur with diseases* such as diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, epilepsy, and tinnitus. Furthermore, it should be noted that many soil areas in Europe are low in manganese.

* This refers to a potentially increased nutrient requirement and not to the alleviation, cure, or prevention of a disease.

Melatonin is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle in our body and is produced in the pineal gland in the brain from the amino acid tryptophan. Vitamins B3 and B6 as well as magnesium are required for its synthesis.

The synthesis of melatonin begins at the onset of darkness and reaches its peak between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. In the first three months of life, melatonin production is very limited; it reaches its peak between the first and third year of life and decreases again with advancing age.

Restful sleep is important not only for our well-being, but also for our concentration and performance. During sleep, we process impressions and what we have learned is consolidated. Our immune system can be impaired by a lack of sleep. In addition, melatonin may also play a role in the mitochondria, the “power plants of our cells.”

The polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are valuable nutrients that must be regularly supplied to our body through our diet. Important food sources include wild cold-water deep-sea fish such as mackerel, sardines, anchovies, salmon, and tuna, as well as algae.

Both omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, promote normal heart function, provided that 250 mg is consumed daily. Furthermore, with a daily intake of 250 mg, DHA supports the maintenance of normal brain function as well as normal vision. In addition, replacing saturated fatty acids with monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels, if the food is high in unsaturated fatty acids.

An increased need for omega-3 fatty acids can occur, for example, with a diet low in saltwater fish or during growth phases, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, as well as in old age. This can also be the case with diseases* such as hypertriglyceridemia, inflammatory, chronic degenerative diseases (e.g., allergies, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, rheumatism), gallbladder and liver diseases, and dry eyes.

* This refers to a potentially increased nutrient requirement and not to the alleviation, cure, or prevention of a disease.

Q10 is found in all cells, particularly in the "power plants of our cells," the mitochondria. These are where energy is generated from food, which is required for the diverse processes in our body. Organs such as the heart, brain, muscles, and the immune system have a particularly high energy demand. Q10 (ubiquinone / ubiquinol) is produced in almost all cells of our body. Ubiquinone Q10 is formed first, which is then converted into the bioactive form, ubiquinol Q10. However, our body's ability to produce Q10 itself declines continuously from about the age of 20.

An increased need for Q10 can be caused by factors such as stress, smoking, high-performance sports, and the intake of certain medications. This can also occur with diseases* such as inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, muscle disorders, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's), migraines, and hyperthyroidism. A Q10 deficiency can be compensated for by taking Q10. In this process, ubiquinol, the bioactive form of Q10, is absorbed significantly better and is immediately available to the body without further conversion.

* This refers to a potentially increased nutritional requirement and not to the alleviation, cure, or prevention of a disease.

Ribose is a simple sugar molecule that contains five carbon atoms. In nature, only D-ribose occurs; the L-form is synthetic. This type of sugar is also called a pentose (from the Greek pente, five). It is found in all our cells, primarily as a component of our genetic material (DNA, RNA) and as a building block of our body's energy currency, adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

The genetic information that the body needs for all kinds of processes is stored in the nucleus of our cells: whether for the regeneration of cells or cell components, the response to environmental influences, or the maintenance of metabolism. The necessary information for this is encoded in our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). To translate this information into a concrete "blueprint," the DNA is transcribed into RNA (ribonucleic acid). Each subunit of our RNA consists of ribose linked to a phosphate group and a base. Our DNA has a similar structure, but here the ribose lacks an oxygen molecule—hence the name deoxyribonucleic acid.

In the mitochondria, the "powerhouses of our cells," the energy from our food (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) is converted in a multi-stage process into a form of energy usable by the body: ATP. ATP consists of three phosphate groups, the base adenine, and ribose. The molecules NADH, NADPH, and FADH, which are also involved in energy production, are formed from ribose. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), an endogenous secondary messenger that plays a role in, among other things, the transmission of nerve signals, also contains ribose.

Selenium is an essential trace element that is primarily found in the thyroid gland, muscles, liver, kidneys, bones, and sperm. It contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Furthermore, it promotes normal thyroid function and the maintenance of healthy hair and nails. It also supports normal spermatogenesis.

An increased requirement for selenium can arise, for example, with vegetarian or vegan diets, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and when taking certain medications. This may also occur with diseases* such as malabsorption disorders, inflammation, myocardial infarction, rheumatism, polytrauma, burns, and cancer.

It should also be noted that many soils in Europe are low in selenium.

* This refers to a potentially increased nutritional requirement and not to the alleviation, cure, or prevention of a disease.

The polyamine spermidine is found in almost all cells of our body. It performs a variety of functions there and is also found in the mitochondria, the “power plants of our cells.” It was first discovered in seminal fluid, which gave the substance its name. The body can produce spermidine itself, but this ability decreases with age, which is why spermidine consumed through food becomes increasingly important over time.

In food, it is primarily contained in sprouts, wheat germ, legumes, soy and whole grain products, nuts, or even aged cheese. Analyses have shown that mse’s Spirulina products are also rich in spermidine.

Taurine is an aminosulfonic acid that occurs naturally in our body, primarily in the muscles, as well as in the eyes, brain, heart, and blood. Within our cells, it is found especially in the “power plants of our cells,” the mitochondria. This is where food (carbohydrates, fat, and protein) is converted into the vital energy needed for the diverse processes in our body. It is like fuel for our cells.

Furthermore, taurine is also primarily found in membranes. Membranes are important cell components, as they regulate the cell's ion balance. An exchange of, for example, sodium, potassium, and calcium takes place via special channels. In addition, our cells are in close contact with one another via their membranes and can exchange not only substances but also information. Energy production also takes place at the membranes of the mitochondria.

In our diet, taurine is found mainly in meat and fish and hardly at all in plant-based foods. Since the synthesis of taurine in our body may not always run optimally, a taurine deficiency can occur, for example, in vegetarians and vegans. Furthermore, there is an increased need for taurine in premature infants, young children, and during pregnancy.

Like vitamins D, E, and K, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin; in our body, it is primarily found in the liver, where it is stored as retinyl esters. However, it is also found in the mucous membranes, lungs, and eyes, where it contributes to maintaining healthy vision.

Vitamin A performs numerous functions in our body. For example, it is involved in maintaining healthy mucous membranes, thus acting as the first barrier against infectious diseases. Furthermore, vitamin A supports the normal functioning of the immune system.

In our diet, vitamin A is found exclusively in animal products, primarily in liver, but also in butter, cheese, eggs, and fish. Plant-based foods only contain the precursor β-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A in our body. β-carotene is mainly found in carrots, spinach, kale, pumpkin, and bell peppers.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is primarily known for contributing to the normal function of the immune system, including during and after intense physical exercise. Furthermore, it protects cells from oxidative stress, which can be caused by harmful oxygen radicals. It also contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system and psychological function, as well as the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. In addition, it is important for normal collagen formation and, consequently, for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, skin, teeth, and gums. Furthermore, it increases iron absorption in the body.

An increased need for vitamin C often occurs as a result of stress, sports, smoking, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin through the ultraviolet (UVB) component of sunlight. It fulfills numerous functions in our organism. For instance, it supports normal blood calcium levels, normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, and the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. Furthermore, it contributes to the normal function of the immune system and muscles.

An increased need for Vitamin D3 can arise, for example, in our regions during winter, with low sunlight exposure, dark skin tone, obesity, a vegetarian diet, and the intake of certain medications. Furthermore, it can also occur in infancy and early childhood, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for nursing home residents, and in old age.

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble antioxidants that occur primarily in two main forms: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Both groups consist of four different variants (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta), which differ in the position and number of methyl groups (-CH3) on the chromanol ring. While tocopherols have a saturated side chain, tocotrienols possess an unsaturated side chain, which leads to different biological properties for the two groups.

The most common forms of vitamin E in food are alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, while tocotrienols are found in smaller amounts in palm oil, rice bran oil, oats, barley, amaranth, and nuts. Since vitamin E is fat-soluble, it is recommended to take it with fatty foods to improve absorption.

While tocopherols have long been known for their antioxidant properties and are widely used, tocotrienols are gaining increasing importance in research and practice due to their unique chemical structure and particularly high effectiveness. Tocotrienols exhibit specific biological properties – with a high affinity for cell membranes and fatty tissues.

Vitamin K2 belongs to the fat-soluble vitamins and can be produced in the human intestine by bacteria such as E. coli. This requires a healthy gut. Vitamin K2 contributes to normal blood clotting and, together with calcium and vitamin D3, supports the maintenance of normal bones.

An increased need for vitamin K2 can arise, for example, from low consumption of green vegetables, the use of certain medications, and with advancing age.

Zinc is an essential trace element and is found in all organs and tissues, particularly in the eyes, bones, liver, kidneys, skin, hair, and nails. In addition to maintaining normal hair, skin, and nails, it supports the normal function of the immune system and normal acid-base metabolism. It also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, which can be caused by an excess of harmful oxygen radicals. Furthermore, zinc promotes normal vision and normal cognitive function.

This trace element is a component or cofactor of more than 300 known enzymes and proteins and also contributes to the normal metabolism of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) as well as normal vitamin A metabolism. Furthermore, it has a role in cell division and supports normal fertility and reproduction, as well as the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.

An increased need for zinc can arise from a vegetarian diet, a restrictive diet or fast food consumption, alcoholism, exercise, during childhood and adolescence, pregnancy and breastfeeding, in old age, or when taking certain medications.